10 Pharmacy Technician Certifications Online 2026

Starting a career in pharmacy can begin with the right training and credentials. Earning a pharmacy technician certification online provides flexibility for busy students while offering the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in retail, hospital, or specialty pharmacy settings.

Online certification programs prepare learners for national exams, externships, and long-term career growth. With so many accredited options available, choosing the best fit ensures strong preparation for the workforce. Continue reading to explore top programs and learn more about how they work.

Can I Earn a Pharmacy Technician Certification Online?

Yes, you can earn an online pharmacy technician certification through accredited programs that provide flexible study options. Many schools offer fully online or hybrid formats that combine virtual coursework with practical training or externships. These programs prepare students for national certification exams while ensuring the necessary hands-on experience for pharmacy careers.

How Much Does a Pharmacy Technician Certification Online Cost?

The cost of an online pharmacy technician certification varies widely, typically ranging from about $1,000 to $17,000 — depending on the school, program length, and delivery format. Lower-cost options often provide self-paced learning, while higher-cost programs include externships, labs, and additional exam preparation resources.

Types of Pharmacy Technician Certifications

There are two primary certification options for pharmacy technicians, each requiring candidates to meet eligibility criteria and pass an exam.

Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians

The ExCPT, offered by the National Healthcareer Association, tests knowledge of medications, regulations, and pharmacy operations. Eligibility typically requires completing a recognized training program or gaining relevant work experience. Passing this exam demonstrates competence and helps pharmacy technicians qualify for employment across retail and hospital settings.

Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam

The PTCE, administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, measures knowledge of pharmacy practices, safety, and regulatory compliance. Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and meet specific eligibility requirements. Successful completion leads to national recognition as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), opening diverse career opportunities.

Best Pharmacy Technician Programs Online

Finding the best pharmacy technician certification online ensures quality training, exam preparation, and flexible learning options for aspiring technicians.

1. York County Community College – Pharmacy Technician Training

This program delivers comprehensive training in pharmacy law, medication safety, prescription preparation, dosage calculations, drug classifications, and professionalism. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED and must complete enrollment requirements.

Through funding via the Harold Alfond Center, eligible students can access free pharmacy technician certification online, including most textbooks and exam costs.

• Program length: One year
• Program cost: Free
• Delivery format: Hybrid

2. California State University, Long Beach – Self-Paced Online Pharmacy Technician Program

This entry-level online pharmacy technician certification program requires a high school diploma or GED and prepares students for the PTCB exam. Coursework includes pharmacy terminology, prescription interpretation, drug classifications, laws and ethics, pharmacology basics, dosage calculations, and generic versus brand-name drugs.

Students can use an optional externship to gain real-world experience.

• Program length: Two to four months
• Program cost: $1,499
• Delivery format: Online

3. San Francisco State University – Pharmacy Technician Certificate

This 60-hour course, plus an 80-hour clinical externship, equips students with skills for retail, hospital, long-term care, or other pharmacy settings. No prerequisite high school diploma is needed to enroll, though PTCB requires one for certification.

Curriculum includes drug classifications, pharmacy law, dosage calculations, measurements, prescriptions, IV admixture, and aseptic techniques.

• Program length: Hybrid (two to three months); online option (up to nine months)
• Program cost: $1,499
• Delivery format: Online or hybrid

4. Piedmont Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program

This 192-hour asynchronous, self-paced online program prepares students to become professional pharmacy technicians and sit for the PTCB national certification exam. Students must have a high school diploma or GED, basic algebra skills, and reliable computer and internet access.

It includes instructional support via optional in-person or virtual sessions.

• Program length: 12 weeks
• Program cost: $479 to $508
• Delivery format: Online

5. Penn Foster – Pharmacy Technician Professional Career Diploma

This pharmacy technician online certification combines self-paced, interactive coursework with a required externship and virtual labs. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED, must be at least 17, and should have access to a computer with reliable internet.

The curriculum aligns with standards to prepare you for PTCE or ExCPT exams.

• Program length: 13 to 17 months
• Program cost: $1,149
• Delivery format: Online

6. College of Health Care Professions – Online Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program

This 48-week program combines online coursework with required in-person labs and externship training at CHCP's Texas campuses. Students must hold a high school diploma or GED and pass a criminal background check.

The curriculum covers pharmacology, drug classifications, dosage calculations, pharmacy operations, inventory management, and regulatory compliance. Graduates are prepared to sit for national certification exams such as the PTCB or NHA.

• Program length: 48 weeks
• Program cost: $16,950
• Delivery format: Hybrid

7. Connecticut State Community College – Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program

For this program, students must have a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18 to participate in the externship and take the certification exam, and pass a placement test for basic algebra. The curriculum covers the top 100 brand and generic drugs, Connecticut state and federal pharmacy law, medication safety, pharmacy-specific calculations, prescription processing, customer service, and simulated IV drug prep.

The externship gives hands-on experience to support readiness for the PTCB exam.

• Program length: Six months
• Program cost: $1,800
• Delivery format: Hybrid or online

8. Nebraska Methodist College – Pharmacy Technician Certification Program

To enroll in this program, students must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. English proficiency, a criminal background check, and satisfactory algebra skills are also required. The program combines online module work, in-person skills labs, and 40 experiential hours in local pharmacies.

The curriculum includes drug classifications, pharmacy law and ethics, prescription interpretation, patient safety, dosage calculations, medical terminology, and hands-on pharmacy operations. Graduates earn Nebraska certification and are eligible for national exams.

• Program length: Ten weeks
• Program cost: $650
• Delivery format: Hybrid

9. LaGuardia Community College – Pharmacy Technician Certification Preparation

This course prepares learners for the PTCB exam, with instructor-led sessions covering pharmacy law and ethics, medical terminology, prescription reading, drug classifications, dosage calculations (including IV flow), compounding, billing, reimbursement, inventory control, plus professional skills like communication, time management, and critical thinking.

Students need a high school diploma or GED and must pass an online screening test before enrolling.

• Program length: 120 hours
• Program cost: $1,600
• Delivery format: Hybrid

10. University of Houston – Online Pharmacy Technician Course

This training course prepares students for the PTCB exam and includes an externship with a major pharmacy chain. No prerequisites are needed to start, but the externship requires applicants to be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.

The curriculum covers pharmacy law and ethics, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacology, inventory and insurance procedures, proper communication skills, lab modules for both retail and hospital settings, and a final exam.

• Program length: One year
• Program cost: $3,295
• Delivery format: Online

How We Rank Programs

Our rankings highlight key factors that help students choose pharmacy technician programs offering value, credibility, and practical career preparation.

• Accreditation: We prioritize programs accredited or approved by recognized bodies, ensuring they meet industry standards and prepare students for national certification.
• Program length: Programs are ranked by how efficiently they balance thorough training with flexible completion timelines, offering quicker entry into the pharmacy workforce.
• Affordability: Cost is carefully considered, with preference given to programs that provide strong education and career preparation at a reasonable tuition price.

How To Choose the Right Certification Program

Selecting the right program ensures you receive quality training, exam readiness, and valuable career preparation for pharmacy technician roles.

• Accreditation and ASHP/ACPE approval: Choose programs accredited and recognized by ASHP/ACPE, which verify quality standards and strengthen eligibility for national certification exams.
• Online flexibility and externship opportunities: Look for online coursework paired with externships, allowing you to balance study with hands-on training in real pharmacy settings.
• Exam preparation included: Strong programs integrate PTCE or ExCPT exam prep into the curriculum, giving students confidence and better chances of success.
• Affordability and financial aid: Consider tuition cost and available financial aid options to ensure the program is a good long-term investment.

FAQs About Pharmacy Technician Certifications

This section provides helpful answers to common questions, giving students clarity and guidance as they explore pharmacy technician certification options.

Can You Take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Online?

Yes, you can take your certification exam online. Both major pharmacy technician certification exams offer online or remote proctoring options.

The PTCB/PTCE exam can be taken online via Pearson VUE's OnVUE remote proctoring system. The NHA/ExCPT exam can be taken at a Psychological Services, Inc. (PSI) testing center or through live remote proctoring.

What Is the Best Certificate for a Pharmacy Technician?

The CPhT credential is considered the best because it's nationally recognized, widely required by employers, and demonstrates standardized knowledge of pharmacy practices, medication safety, and regulations. Holding this certification enhances job opportunities, qualifies technicians for advancement, and shows commitment to professional standards in both retail and clinical pharmacy environments.

How Long Is a Pharmacy Tech Program?

Pharmacy technician programs vary in length, typically lasting from ten weeks to one year. Short certificate programs often take a few months, while more comprehensive diploma or degree pathways may extend up to a year. Program duration depends on delivery format, curriculum depth, and externship requirements.

Is It Easy To Get a Pharmacy Technician Certification?

Earning a pharmacy technician certification requires dedicated study but is achievable with preparation. Accredited programs provide coursework, practice exams, and externships to build skills. While the PTCE and ExCPT are challenging, many students succeed on their first attempt when they commit time and effort to learning the curriculum.

Browse Pharmacy Programs

Pharmacy technician certifications open rewarding career paths. Visit Learn.org to explore more pharmacy programs and choose the right option for you.